day 280: American Girls

Jamie, Angela and I went to the Grove today. Gawd, the weather has been so nice lately. I kinda wish it would get cold so it would be easier to leave, but that's not going to happen. We had lunch at the Whisper Lounge where we once had a GNO (Girls' Night Out). After a nice conversation among close friends we walked the loop and it was my idea to go into American Girl. It's crazy in all of it's spectacular oddity. We enjoyed coffee (tea for me) at the Coffee Bean and sat in the warm sun. It's always lovely at the Grove, but this time it felt like a moment stolen from the dawn of time. Even though it was filled with people I felt like it was just the three of us hanging out.

I was accustomed to wearing heels for work, now you can see the tan line from my flip flops. Walking around all day in these little heels was a pain.

Only in LA are pooches pushed around in strollers.

day 256: 3.5 - the breaking point

This was the breaking point. I haven't posted anything since this day, because this day was so exhausting. I needed some time to come to terms with my decision. It was the beginning of October and for the few days before I was thinking of moving to NM. If I made the decision it was gonna be today. I had to give a 30 day notice to my manager. My roommate gave me his notice a few days earlier and said he would be moving to Colorado.
Factors in my decision were:
finances: I'm losing so much money by living in LA, and if I'm still unemployed at the end of my unemployment insurance, I'm not sure what I will do.
looking for another roommate: I figured my luck of finding another cool roommate was running out, between Duane and Lucas, I was very fortunate.
the rising unemployment rate: the national unemployment rate is 9.8%. I always forget that the beginning of the month starts with bad news.
holidays: most companies don't hire through the holidays (even when  the economy is good)
potential jobs: I had three potential jobs and didn't get any of them. This was a definite blow to my confidence.
my car: I've had some recent car problems... I swear, when it rains it pours. 
the moon: maybe a little bit of the full moon came into play. :P 
stress: each day I'm losing a little bit of myself: my confidence, my sanity, and my happiness.

I was so stressed I worked out 3.5 times (0.5 is the brisk walk): I ran 3 miles in the morning, rode my bike down to Redondo beach, came home had lunch and rode to Bel-air and then around midnight I took a brisk walk to Fairfax and back. The picture above is one I took in the morning: before the meltdown, before I made the decision. The photos below are in Manhattan Beach.

A huge "Thank you" goes out to Mark and Tim for making sure I was ok. I know it must have been scary for you, but thank you for talking to me so late at night. Thank you for being my friends.

 

day 215: Somebody to Love

Surrounded by friends and family Vanessa was very surprised by the elaborate plan that Alex planned for her birthday. Vanessa's mom and brother flew in, Porto's bakery catered and cherry bombs were the drink of choice. As the night wound down (or started up) Angela's karaoke mic brought out all the singing voices.

Happy Birthday, Vanessa!

day 175: meltdown 2.0

Not having a job: SUX. I wish I could ctrl-z some things in my life.

day 138: we're gonna party like it's your birthday

carla & mike
jamie & ritch
nick
jamie & angie

After Friday's trip to Solvang and sitting in the sun all day, I came home and crashed at 5pm. Today, I woke up at 6am, went for a swim and a hike. After my hike I went to help Carla prepare for her BarBQ. I was asked to be in charge of entertainment, so I had a photo booth and asked Angela to bring her Karaoke mic. These are some of the images from the photo booth. There are over 200 images and I still need to proof them before I publish them. It will take me a couple of days, but here's a sample. Thanks to everyone who participated, and a special thanks to Carla for hosting such a wonderful party. Happy Birthday!

More photos are available here.

day 136: game 1

We went to Busby's for game 1 of the NBA Championship series between Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers dominated this game...let's hope that this continues. GO LAKERS!!
I wanted to save this somewhere, so I decided to upload it to this page.

day 130: celebration

With a commanding win over the Denver Nuggets, the Lakers solidified their spot in the 2009 NBA Finals. As a celebration, we ordered a pizza from Vitello's Express in Studio City, and enjoyed two pieces of Cake (Red Velvet and Coconut). We never finished the two pieces of cake, but we gave it a good effort. Don't worry, there were four of us trying to tackle this feat and we failed. FYI Sweetharts recently opened up, it's a yogurt spot right behind Vitello's Express. They are having a grand opening on Saturday and will serve free yogurt from 2-5pm.

GO LAKERS!!

day 118: game 7 Lakers/Rockets

We (Chadonna, Ken, Angela and Ritch) went back to Busby's to watch game 7 of the Lakers/Rockets Series. I still love this place. I'm so happy that the Lakers won. Bring on the Nuggets!

For the Magic/Celtics game we went to Ken's apartment, which is where I was when the earthquake hit. I had flushed the toilet and thought the pipes were old, but then the glass on the shower doors started shaking. I opened the door and stood in the doorway. I'm so proud that I actually did the right thing.

day 077: series of intersecting lives and incidents

I'm reminded by my friend, Amy, that bad things happen in threes. one: lost job, two: identity fraud, three: hit & run. I do hope this is the end of it.

Today feels like that scene from Benjamin Button, when Daisy was hit by the car. Everything had to happen in order for me to be hit by that red car, accident or design, it had to happen. I don't know the particulars about the other people involved: the guy in the car, the guy in the Dooley truck, the 10-year-old girl on the Razor scooter, or the two EMTs. I know that for me, I had to have an extra cup of tea this morning. I usually only have one cup, but opted for two. Firefox crashed and I had to reopen all the windows again. I forgot to put on sunscreen and ran back upstairs to lather it on. I decided to read one more chapter in my book at the park. Waiting in line at the Post Office, the AC forced me to put on my sweat jacket which protected me from more scrapes. The Dooley Truck that took up most of the road made me slow down. The ambulance had to be stuck in traffic just a few cars back from where the collision occurred. I had to notice the girl on the Razor scooter whisking down the sidewalk as I passed her and that red car had to make that left hand turn as I was about to ride straight.

And if only one thing had happened differently: If that Dooley truck was in the other lane or that girl on the Razor left 2 minutes earlier, I could've been under the car, the little girl could've been hit by that car or the red car could've made a left turn without hitting anyone. "But life being what it is - a series of intersecting lives and incidents, out of anyone's control:" I was hit by that car and fell to the ground with the little girl on the Razor scooter coming to my side and asking if I was ok. The EMTs quickly tending to my scrapes and the that guy in the red car rolling down his window to ask if I was ok, only to drive away without an answer.

It's strange what you think of during an accident. The first thought that came to my mind when the EMTs asked to clean the wound was "I should have shaved my legs this morning." For some reason everything else was a blur, but that thought is vivid.

day 062: Bar-B-Q

The last of the Pisces birthdays has come, we celebrated Adrian's birthday on Saturday night/Sunday morning. As always Sandy and Adrian had a wonderful selection of food and drinks. We talked, played Cranium, poker and partied in to the early morning.

Happy Birthday, Adrian!

day 060: meltdown

Friday was meltdown day. I need to find a job.

Thank you to all of my supportive friends and family. I wouldn't be able to deal with this if it weren't for you.

day 054: celebration

We're coming to the end of Pisces, but I'm still celebrating birthdays. Last night we celebrated Jamie's Birthday at Club Menage and Mi Piace in Pasadena. You know I'm a good friend, when I drive 30 minutes out of LA to go to a dance club. Happy Birthday, Jamie! There were more group pictures, but I love this one. :)

day 040: memories

I'm scared of what people are going to write. I could never run for public office and I know that. In fact some of the memories created recently are enough to ruin anyone's career. hahaha

Leave one memory that you and I share, the first thing that pops into your mind will do. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot, anything you remember! Don't send an e-mail message, but leave a comment here. Next, re-post this in your notes and see who leaves a memory for you..

day 035: The gift & 34 km

Since I've been laid-off I've been trimming the excess fat off of my bills, and that meant my gym membership. :( It's ironic to think that at a time where I have so much time to go to the gym I can't, because of the sacrifice. Well one of my birthday gifts was two months of my gym membership. This is the best gift. I love it and love my friend, Fish, for doing this for me.

My birthday has been a three day celebration, and I love it. It's also been three days of dehydration, so I've been trying to keep up with replenishing my body. I woke up kinda late this morning. Went to the gym late, but was pleasantly surprised by the hot trainer. He kept me on the treadmill for 40min and at the gym for an hour and a half, and he's not even my trainer. He's just good eye candy. hahaha

The gym was followed by an enjoyable lunch with two phenomenal women where I remembered that back in December I made a goal that I would ride 34km on my birthday. So I rushed home, checked the pressure in my tires, filled my water bottles and went out for a ride along the beach. It was so beautiful, but I haven't been on my bike since I got sick right before Thanksgiving, and this coupled with the gym: my legs feel like jelly. I'm gonna sleep like a baby tonight, but for now, I have to prep for dinner. :)

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR MAKING MY BIRTHDAY EXTRA SPECIAL THIS YEAR!!!

day 034: and the Oscar goes to...

moi? I won the Oscar Pool with a total of 16 correct picks. I did watch all of the Best Picture nominations and all of the big categories: Actor, Actress (you should definitely watch Frozen River), Supporting Actress, Supporting Actor. All of those free screenings helped. I wonder if I can get into the Vanity Fair party in my 'hood with this award? hahaha

Vanessa and Alex hosted a glamor filled Oscar party with delicious food and great company. I was the emotional one. I'm a cryer, yes I get emotional during the show. The "In Memoriam"... how can you not tear up? Heath Ledger? forget it.

The show:
I liked Hugh Jackman as host, primarily because he's hot. JK He's a very talented man.

I loved how they presented the awards with the five former winner's and I hope they continue this.

I loved the Best Picture montage with former Best Picture winners.

Favorite moments:
"Domo arigoto Mr. Roboto" Kuni Kato blurted this when accepting his Oscar for Best Short Film, Animated.... awesome!!

Ben Stiller's impression of Joaquin Phoenix (I watched that Letterman interview and it was a mess)

Kate Winslet's dad whistling

Kate Winslet talking to Meryl Streep in her acceptance speech

Sean Penn's acceptance speech. I wanted Mickey Rourke to win, because his performance was amazing in The Wrestler. Sean Penn's portrayal of Harvey Milk is wonderful, but he's truthful in his statement, "...I know how hard I make it to appreciate me." He's not a very nice person, but I liked that he brought up gay marriage.

Slumdog Millionaire winning for Best Picture. This is an absolutely beautiful film in a beautiful country.

Fashion:
loved Kate Winslet's everything: hair, dress, make-up...she looked like Grace Kelly

Natalie Portman's pink dress: The bold color was beautiful and her hair was amazing.

Awkward Moment:
Why did they keep showing Brangelina when Jennifer Aniston was presenting?

day 017: twenty-five

Ha! By George, I’ve got it! I knew I did this before!!
Here are 10 random things about me....well, I will try to delve deeper into randomness.

1. I learned to drive when I was 10 years old on a stick shift. It was in my dad’s old white truck with a pillow behind me on dirt road.
2. I love scary movies, but always regret going to them when I’m in the theater. I can make an entire theater scream.
3. I believe in Astrology. Sun: Pisces, Moon: Leo, Ascending: Leo, Chinese: Wood Rabbit
4. I studied Architecture extensively, but now realize that I strongly dislike the profession. I love proportions, materials and experiencing space, but hate waterproofing, nominal sizes of structural members, and codes, etc.
5. I’m getting laid off. My last day of work will be 02.13.2009. If you didn’t know anyone affected by the tanking economy, now you do. It’s another reason for my dislike of architecture. The construction industry is the first hit when there is a recession. I see it as an opportunity to find out what it is that I want to do with my life. I’m thankful for all my friends and family who have been supportive.
6. I’m scared to get on the escalator without holding onto the rail. I know. I discovered this at a Clippers’ game. With food and a drink in my hands, I halted at the bottom as a line of people mounted up behind me. I had to ask the guy behind me to hold my drink. My friend was laughing. I’m scared that I’m gonna loose my balance and fall on my a$$, strange I know.
7. I’ve been to some amazing Hollywood Parties and will maybe document them some day. The best was with Owen Wilson, of what I remember...
8. Through the years I have acquired many “cheesy prom poses” pics. Thank you, Clara.
9. I randomly donate money to people training for philanthropic endurance events, because I know how difficult it is to fundraise. I leave the simple message “pay it forward, please.”
10. I stood up to my boss when I saw injustice, even when I was on the fortunate side, but I don’t know if I would do it again. It was too draining.
11. I’ve planned two weddings and overseen three wedding days. I would like wedding planning if it weren’t for the brides. hahaha
12. I always have to look-up the definitions for conscious and conscience. I can never remember which is which.
13. When I was young my friend and I went to the mall. We quickly changed direction and I tripped over a little kid. The mom immediately said, “You f-ing Navajo. Go back to the reservation.” That memory has stuck with me my entire life. I think about that little kid who grew up with that belief, and wonder if he has the same belief as his mom. It taught me to speak out against discrimination.
14. I love the midnight screenings of movies. It’s the true fans who show up. Some of my favorite memories are Attack of the Clones (when the lights turned off it was a sea of blue lightsabers) and Spider-man 2 & 3 (Tobey Maguire showed up for both of them)
15. I’ve been known to watch a football game with the guys and then watch a chick flick with the girls on the same day.
16. My favorite karaoke songs are “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and “Love is a Battlefield”...oh and “Pour Some Sugar on Me.”
17. I ran a marathon, cycled a half century (actually my longest ride is 80 miles) and I hope to ride a full century and participate in an olympic length triathlon soon.
18. I come from a large family, well, not my immediate family. I have one brother and two sisters. My dad had four brothers and five sisters. My mom has four brothers and three sisters. I grew up with many cousins who I call my brothers and sisters.
19. I gave up coffee two years ago and it was the hardest habit to break: the headaches, withdrawals, and irritability. I give thanks to my friends and co-workers for understanding.
20. I had my tonsils taken out when I was 7.
21. My dad passed away when I was 20, too young for both of us.
22. I’m usually laughing and have had friends seek me out after a movie, because they heard me laughing.
23. I studied the history of the gaze and how perspective has changed from antiquity. I love finding devices that affect perception: the camera obscura, dioramas, spectacles, etc.
24. I learned how to find myself in India.
25. I love my relationship with my mom right now. I see her as more than my mom, and I think she sees me as more than her daughter.